AIKS congratulates Rajasthan Kisan Movement
Victory fills up confidence to peasantry all over the country
The peasantry in Rajasthan under the Kisan Sabha banner along with all sections of the people has won a significant victory after their resolute struggle lasting 13 days. Since 1st September, 2017 tens thousands of people sat in front of the different District Headquarters on the call of Rajasthan Kisan Sabha for a Mahapadav. For 3 days there was also Rasta Roko across the State bringing about 20 Districts to a standstill. Only ambulances and essential services functioned.
The peasant movement received unprecedented support from all sections of the society making it a truly people’s movement. The trade Unions and the working class, the merchants and traders, students, youth and women were part of the massive struggle. Thousands of women participated not only in Padav but in day night Road Blockade also. After 13 days of struggle, the insensitive BJP Government led by Vasundhara Raje Scindia was forced to talk with the Kisan Sabha leadership and bow down and accept many of the demands. The talks went on in 4 phases from 1:00 PM on 12th September and ended at 1:00 AM on 14th September.
The BJP Government was forced to agree to loan waiver of up to RS.50,000/- which is expected to benefit 8 lakh farmers, given assurance that State government will write to the Centre seeking implementation of Swaminathan Commission Recommendations on MSP in a time-bound manner by working out modalities, purchase of groundnut, green gram (moong) and urad at MSP at all District Headquarters within 7 days, withdraw hike in electricity rates for drip irrigation, payment of SC/ST/OBC fellowship with arrears immediately, relaxation in restrictions in sale of cattle, protection of crops from stray cattle and wild animals, increase of pension to Rs. 2000/month agreed in principle, insurance claim for failure of canal irrigation and stopping harassment of traders and farmers by the police.
After reaching agreement on these issues and on a mechanism to implement decisions AIKS President Com.Amra Ram announced withdrawal of the Mahapadav and reopening of roads that were closed for the last 3 days. Kisans across the State celebrated the victory with slogans, songs and dances.
AIKS proudly greets the heroic peasant activists and all sections of the people who have participated in the historic struggle for their determination. This inspiring victory shall inspire similar struggles across the country and fill up confidence among the peasantry who are suffering indescribable economic crisis and hardships due to acute agrarian crisis due to insensitive Central and State Governments.
AIKS thanks all including workers, traders, students and women of Rajasthan who stood in solidarity with the movement.
Hannan Mollah, General Secretary
Amra Ram, President
